Submission #2499

By Megan McPhee

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent funding cuts to Early Learning and Child Care on PEI, especially the loss of Pedagogical Support Staff. These positions are not an added benefit or “extra help” — they are essential to maintaining a strong, safe, and sustainable childcare system. Without this support, educators will be pushed beyond their limits, burnout will increase, and the quality of care and learning children receive will suffer.

Many people do not fully understand how much Early Childhood Educators do each day. We are not babysitters — we are trained professionals helping to build the foundation of children’s development, learning, and emotional well-being. Children are often in childcare from 7:30–5:00, meaning we sometimes spend more waking hours with them than their own parents do. That comes with a huge responsibility, and it requires proper staffing and support to ensure children receive the attention and care they deserve.

Pedagogical Support Staff make it possible for educators to plan meaningful activities, complete documentation, support children through big emotions, and respond to individual needs without leaving the rest of the group unsupported. Without this role, educators are expected to manage everything at once, and children who need extra time or extra support may not get what they truly need in the moment. If educators do not have the time or support to properly prepare and plan, then what quality of learning and care are children actually receiving?

If PEI truly wants high-quality childcare, then the government must invest in the people providing it. Cutting essential supports will weaken centres, increase staff turnover, and reduce the quality of early learning experiences for children across the province. I strongly urge decision-makers to reinstate full funding for Pedagogical Support Staff and education supports so that Early Learning and Child Care can remain stable, sustainable, and beneficial for children and families.

Sincerely,
Emma